Mounted image 130: VST image of the Omega Nebula

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The spectacular star-forming region Messier 17, also known as the Omega Nebula or the Swan Nebula, as seen by the VLT Survey Telescope (VST). This vast region of gas, dust and hot young stars lies in the heart of the Milky Way in the constellation of Sagittarius (The Archer). The VST field of view is so large that the entire nebula, including its fainter outer parts, is captured — and retains its superb sharpness across the entire image.